"Only the coach knows why he hasn't played, and the truth is that we have to try to get Rafa back to a regular playing situation.

"At Barcelona, he's getting three games in a row then being dropped. The coach has his way of working in his head, but for Rafa, he had a very good pre-season and some spectacular games, so this situation isn't understood.

"We have to look for an exit because it is very complicated here. It's been practically two years, he plays very little and needs a club that will give him 30 or 40 games per season.

"He hasn't had continuity in the game for a long time. We won't rule out a January transfer, and there are interested clubs.

"Barcelona are willing to give the transfer the green light and the player is happy, so we will work together."